Spotlight Series: Cara Benthal, Catering Manager at Temecula Creek Inn
A series of posts dedicated to the pillars of the event design world that spotlight talent and creativity. Today we focus on Temecula Creek Inn. A place whose natural beauty is outdone only by the attention and care its events team gives to each occasion. Read more in today's spotlight series - Cara and her crew will be sure to inspire you!
Please describe your service in 3-5 sentences. Tell us about your team (or if you work alone).
I work with a fabulous team! Two team members are the educators when it comes to booking a wedding venue and teaching the client what our venue has to offer on the surface level, including the pricing and shell of our amazing events. The other two team members serve as a client’s direct contact and help service their “dream come true wedding!” We educate them on their options with more personalized details as well as point them in the direction of additional vendors who can help bring their vision to life.
Favorite flower (to work with): Peonies and ranunculus
Complete this sentence. A wedding can never have too many florals or personalized details.
Champagne: Rose
What trend are you happy to see in the past? Burlap!
What trend are you excited about? Color is making a comeback!
What (if ever) is the most thoughtful or romantic gesture/surprise a client has planned for his/her spouse?
One time a bride surprised her groom with a pregnancy announcement at the reception! Everyone was shocked and the groom couldn’t stop crying happy tears! It was the sweetest moment and was captured on photo and video for them to have forever.
Have you ever had to say no or steer a client away from a crazy ambition? OR What is the wildest or most challenging event that you have ever been a part of?
One time, a wildfire broke out two miles down the road that was traveling fast in our direction. Roads were completely halted and the freeway was closed. Guests were getting out of their car and walking miles to get to the venue. The venue was consumed with smoke and the air quality was unhealthy. At one point, moving forward with the wedding was questionable and we needed to wait to see if it was safe after all the vendors eventually made it for setup. Fortunately, the smoke started to break and we were able to move forward with the wedding, just a bit later than originally scheduled.
Why should people hire an event planner?
You should always hire an event planner! An event planner is the glue of the wedding arrangements. They will refer you to professional vendors, know their product inventories and what each vendor offers, which they will then pair with each client’s desires based on their individual preferences. They are the keeper of all information and responsible for facilitating the execution from the hired vendors. They are also the point of contact on the event day, allowing the bide and groom to be fully present on their special day rather than worrying about the execution of the event.
Bonus question: When planning an outdoor wedding, how often do clients comment on the challenge of wearing heels in grass? Do you suggest Solemates Heel Protectors?
I have discussed this concern often and Solemates heel protectors are always suggested. They are great because they allow the client to wear the beautiful heel they want on their wedding day, while also feeling comfortable at the event. All without the stress of walking through grass (which we have a lot of), which can damage their shoes and be very uncomfortable.
Tips of the trade: please provide 3 tips or tricks for each event category: We might use this content in other pieces as well (with credit to you). Feel free to answer as many or as few as you’d like.
- Outdoor (wedding or any other celebration). What are 3 things everyone planning an outdoor wedding should consider: Weather, Sunlight (time of day of photos), lighting once the sun goes down
- Indoor (hotel/event space). What are 3 things everyone planning an indoor wedding/event should be mindful of: A venue with heat/air, audio visual equipment/aide (lights, chandeliers, installments) that can transform the event space into your vision
- At home. What are the 3 things everyone planning a “simple wedding” at home should consider: Parking, noise ordinance, bathrooms/ice/trash
- Destination (remote). What are the 3 things everyone planning a destination wedding (in a hard to reach place; ie, not a major city), should consider? Enough lodging for all guests that are traveling, accommodations from airport to the hotel, traveling with a wedding dress and wedding decor.
My favorite planning quote is:
“Whatever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it they will want to come back and see you do it again and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do.” -Walt Disney
Find, Follow & Friend Cara and her fabulous team at the following links:
IG: tcreekinn
Fb: @temeculacreekinn
Twitter: TCreekInn
Pinterest: Temecula Creek Inn
LinedIn: Temecula Creek Inn
Website: https://temeculacreekinn.com/
Email: tciweddings@tciresort.com
Phone: 844-333-3318
Photo Credit: Allie Lindsey Photography
@allielindseyphotography
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